Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has turned down an offer to become the head coach of the United States Men’s National Team, according to a report in French newspaper L’Equipe.
Zidane was offered the USMNT job after the recent World Cup in 2022. The French soccer legend turned down the offer, as well as turning down offers to coach the Brazilian and Portuguese national teams.
It had been reported that Zidane hoped to become head coach of the France national team. However, following France’s impressive performance at Qatar 2022, the French Football Federation today renewed Didier Deschamps’ contract for a further four years. Meanwhile, Zidane hopes to get the France job after the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane’s USMNT offer is a good sign
Although Zidane turned down the USMNT offer, it’s a positive sign for fans of the US men’s national team as the US Soccer Federation doesn’t settle for complacency. Gregg Berhalter is unlikely to renew his contract, especially as a result of the recent scandal. And it is imperative that the US Soccer team is led by a world-class coach to begin preparations before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup.
Earlier this week, World Soccer Talk named Zinedine Zidane to our list of coaches US Soccer should hire.
So while Zidane has passed on the opportunity, partly due to his stubbornness in only wanting the France job, it gives us evidence that US Soccer wants to make bold hiring decisions.
There are several world-class coaches who are available for the job if US Soccer chooses to contact them.
He also tells us that US Soccer is looking at options to ensure that Berhalter’s deal is not renewed.
Meanwhile, US Soccer has hired Anthony Hudson as USMNT’s temporary head coach.
